Zesty Double-Seasoned Crunch Mix
Elevate your snack game with our Zesty Double-Seasoned Crunch Mix, a playful twist on the classic Chex Mix! This delightful recipe uses Crispex cereal, which beautifully combines the flavors of both rice and corn Chex, allowing you to simplify your shopping while enjoying a deliciously crunchy treat. Packed with bold flavors thanks to a generous increase in our savory 'sauce', this mix is perfect for parties, movie nights, or just when you're craving a satisfying snack. The combination of nuts and pretzels adds an exciting texture, making every handful irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be stored for those sudden snack attacks – enjoy it any time, anywhere!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
8 tablespoons (melted)
Lawry's Seasoned Salt
3 teaspoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
9 teaspoons (none)
Crispex cereal
8 cups (none)
mixed nuts
1 cup (none)
small pretzels
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, seasoned salt, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
3
In a large roasting pan, combine the Crispex cereal, mixed nuts, and small pretzels, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4
Drizzle the butter mixture over the cereal mix, stirring gently but constantly to ensure every piece is fully coated.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to promote even cooking.
6
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely before storing.
7
Transfer the cooled mix to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Double-Seasoned Crunch Mix?
It is a savory snack mix that puts a playful twist on the classic Chex Mix by using Crispex cereal and an extra-flavorful butter-based seasoning sauce.
What type of cereal is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 8 cups of Crispex cereal, which conveniently combines both rice and corn flavors in every bite.
How much butter do I need?
You will need 8 tablespoons (one stick) of melted butter for this recipe.
What specific brand of seasoned salt is suggested?
The recipe specifically recommends using 3 teaspoons of Lawry's Seasoned Salt.
How much Worcestershire sauce is included?
The mix uses 9 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce to create its bold, savory flavor profile.
What kind of nuts should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of mixed nuts, but you can use your favorite variety like peanuts, pecans, or cashews.
What type of pretzels are best for this mix?
Small pretzels or pretzel sticks are ideal as they blend well with the size of the cereal and nuts.
What is the baking temperature for the crunch mix?
Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) for a slow and even bake.
How long does the mix need to bake?
The crunch mix should bake for a total of 1 hour in the preheated oven.
Why do I need to stir the mix every 15 minutes?
Stirring every 15 minutes ensures that the seasoning is evenly distributed and helps the mix dry out and crisp up without burning.
Can I use regular Chex cereal instead of Crispex?
Yes, you can substitute a mix of 4 cups of rice Chex and 4 cups of corn Chex if you cannot find Crispex.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Absolutely! With only 6 ingredients and simple instructions, it is an incredibly easy snack to prepare.
How should I store the finished crunch mix?
Once completely cooled, transfer the mix to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to maintain its freshness.
Can I make this recipe in the microwave?
This specific recipe is designed for the oven to achieve a 'double-seasoned' crunch, though microwave versions of snack mixes do exist.
What makes this 'double-seasoned'?
It is referred to as 'double-seasoned' because of the generous increase in the butter, seasoned salt, and Worcestershire sauce compared to standard recipes.
Should I let the mix cool before eating?
Yes, letting the mix cool completely is important as it allows the coating to set and the texture to become fully crunchy.
What equipment do I need to mix the ingredients?
A large roasting pan is best for combining the ingredients and baking, along with a small bowl for whisking the sauce.
Can I add extra spices to the mix?
While the recipe is bold on its own, you can certainly add garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper if you prefer more kick.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: butter, Lawry's Seasoned Salt, Worcestershire sauce, Crispex cereal, mixed nuts, and small pretzels.
Is this snack mix good for parties?
Yes, it is a perfect crowd-pleaser for parties, movie nights, or game-day snacking.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can double the ingredients; just ensure you use two roasting pans or bake in batches so the oven isn't overcrowded.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary.
What if I don't have a roasting pan?
You can use two large rimmed baking sheets, but be careful when stirring to prevent the cereal from falling off the edges.
Is this mix spicy?
No, it is savory and zesty rather than spicy. If you want heat, you would need to add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
How long will the crunch mix stay fresh?
If stored properly in an airtight container, it will remain fresh and crunchy for 2 to 3 weeks.
Can I omit the nuts?
Yes, if you have an allergy or simply don't like nuts, you can omit them or replace them with extra cereal or pretzels.
Why is it important to drizzle the sauce gently?
Drizzling while stirring gently ensures that all pieces are coated without breaking the delicate cereal pieces.
Can I use other snack items like bagel chips?
Yes, feel free to swap some of the pretzels or nuts for bagel chips or small crackers.
Is the Crispex cereal gluten-free?
Crispex contains malt flavoring which usually contains gluten; check the box label if you have specific dietary requirements.
Can this be made as a gift?
Yes, this mix makes an excellent homemade gift when packaged in decorative jars or tins.